Lori H.

Founder & Director, Franklin Street Yoga Center

Lori Hernandez has been a devoted student of yoga since 1997 and a full-time teacher since 2005. Her primary teachers include Kaya Mindlin, Shiva Rea, Michael Johnson, and Baron Baptiste, and she carries their influence forward with deep gratitude in every class she teaches. Lori is rooted in the Krishnamacharya lineage through both the Ashtanga and Iyengar traditions, grounding her work in both disciplined structure and refined alignment.

She is known for empowering students through a skillful blend of softness and strength. Her teaching weaves together creative vinyasa sequencing, intelligent alignment, uplifting music, and a heartfelt, steady presence that invites both growth and self-trust.

In 2007, Lori founded Franklin Street Yoga Center. Since its opening, the studio has trained teachers who now lead classes and open studios across the United States and internationally. Lori has also presented at the National Graves’ Disease Conference, Texas Yoga Conference, Asheville Yoga Festival, LeaderShape, the North Carolina Public Relations Society Chapter, and NAWBO.

Beyond the studio, Lori has worked with private clients and athletes from UNC’s Men’s Lacrosse, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Women’s Lacrosse, Football, Fencing, and Men’s Golf teams. She is also trained as an end-of-life doula, bringing a compassionate and grounded perspective to life’s most profound transitions.

Lori’s personal health journey deeply informs her teaching. Diagnosed with Graves’ Disease in 2005 and Type 1 Diabetes in 2014, she understands firsthand the resilience required to live with autoimmune conditions. Her yoga practice has been an essential anchor — a source of steadiness, strength, and grace through challenge.